Prime Minister Gul Meets Hastert

ANKARA - U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Dennis Hastert said they expected the initiatives of the U.N. regarded with Iraq to be successful, yet that they expected Turkey and the other regional countries to help providing of stability in the region in case those efforts are not successful.
Prime Minister Abdullah Gul met Hastert for nearly 45 minutes. Hastert is currently in Turkey to participate in 48th NATO Parliamentary Assembly meeting.
Pointing out that the delegation which he heads was the first foreign delegation visiting Gul, Hastert reminded that the U.S. President George Bush was the first leader who called and congratulated Gul's Prime Ministry.
Hastert said they attributed importance to the continuation of relations between Turkey and the United States, noting that Turkey constituted a model in the region with respect to human rights, democracy and stability. Hastert said during the meeting Gul conveyed them the commitments that they would work for democracy, human rights and stability.
Responding to the questions of reports on Iraq, Hastert said they understood Turkey's concerns on a possible operation, stressing that they were aware of the trade loses and refugee problem which Turkey suffered because of Gulf War.
Hastert said the United States was resolved for the stability in the region, noting that mass destruction weapons could not be accepted. Hastert expressed hope that U.N. efforts in this respect would be successful, and noted that they expected Turkey and the other regional countries to help providing of stability in the region.
When asked about the free trade agreements, Hastert said outlines of the issue was discussed during the meeting. Yet Hastert noted that the details would be taken up during the visit of Gul to Washington.
Responding to a question to industry regions, Hastert said they expected necessary regulations to be accepted in January.
Meanwhile, Foreign Ministry Deputy Undersecretary Baki Ilkin said Hastert reiterated invitation of Bush to Gul, and that Gul told him that he would like to visit the United States soon.